Book Description

With two 96-page, easy-to-follow books, highlighting techniques and projects-plus 12 tools-this definitive hands-on set will instruct and inspire both beginning and accomplished calligraphers. Learn the fundamentals and get the expert guidance needed to complete 25 different projects. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Brilliant Beginner Set
This Calligraphy set is truly a complete beginner set. The instructions are clear, the equipment is of high quality, and the projects offer a lot of other things you can do with your equipment.

Excellent set
This book contains everything you need to start learning calligraphy. The explanations are clear, the set truly complete (at least, for a beginner), and the project's book quite attractive. The testbook is clear and contains a lot of useful material for technique (i.e., types of ink, brushes, etc.) as well as models for uncial, italic, gothic, and other script styles.

Tools not for beginners
I purchased this book as a complete beginner to calligraphy.

The instruction book includes good instructions for forming the letters. The projects in the project book seems interesting. Unfortunately, there are no instructions for using the tools.

I've never used a calligraphy pen before and I could not figure out how to load the ink and get it to write. I tried dipping it in the ink and that didn't work either. I will probably end up going to an art store and buying a different kind of pen.

I purchased this set because I was hoping to get everything I needed to start. If I were to do it over again, I'd buy a different book and purchase pens and ink at a store where they can show me how to use it.

good product
this is a good product for just about anyone who wants to do calligraphy

Great Variety of Projects and Samples
I think it's a great book - lots of great projects - lots of variety - something for everyone.

I especially enjoyed the close-up pictures of the flourishes in Ms. Bowen's calligraphy - there were plenty of pictures of her calligraphy styles - great inspiration to try some myself someday!

I also loved the fact that the book had a good quality pen with nibs included that could have a reservoir attached - this has been hard to find in my area so it was great to be able to try them out - they seemed to be of a very good quality also which was an important selling point for me.

Ms. Bowen did an excellent job of visually showing how to lay out work for a finished piece - I have half a dozen books but it's the best I've seen - plenty of books explain how to make the strokes for the various font styles but very few have interesting projects in them or visually show how to plan and lay out a project.

This book has projects anyone can enjoy and there are plenty of pictures of the projects to inspire calligraphers for projects of their own. ... Read more

Book Description

These lavish volumes feature highlights of five of the collections in the J. Paul Getty Museum. Each volume contains between seventy-five and one hundred objects, handsomely reproduced in full color and described by members of the curatorial staff. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

What do the Chinese write on their paintings? Why do they write on them? In this newly revised volume--now illustrated in color--Michael Sullivan provides a lucid and engaging analysis of the intimate relationships among painting, poetry, and calligraphy in Chinese culture. The fundamental unity of writing and painting is shown to be an ancient, though still valid, concept in China. Twenty-six luminous reproductions of celebrated works of art illustrate key aspects of this superb union of literature and the visual arts. ... Read more

Book Description

Spirited history, comprehensive instruction manual covers 13 important writing styles (ca. 4th century thru 15th). Fascinating facts about Roman Rustic, Uncial, Carolingian Minuscule, Early Gothic, eight other styles; all examples beautifully photographed. Detailed directions for duplicating medieval techniques with modern tools. 232 illustrations.
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Reviews (7)

A Work Of Art
This book is a work of art and love in its self. The sheer number of positive reviews is a testament to that statement.

Not for Calligraphers Only
Hidden in this book for calligraphy hobbyists is a simple, concise history of manuscript (formal handwriting) from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. It explains the basics of why we write - and print - the way we do. Ever wonder why the letters of the alphabet are shaped the way they are? Or why we have capital and small letters? Or why the two are shaped differently? Or where punctuation comes from? Readers interested in language, typography, usage, European history, and mere interesting trivia would love this book if it weren't lost in the hobbyist and graphic-arts stacks.

Scholarly, careful, and beautiful
Marc Drogin is both a paleographer and a skilled calligrapher: this book not only provides information in-depth, but meticulously documents its information as well. This book has proven more helpful to me than several of my art history texts. I recommend it without reservation!

A great resource for the serious calligrapher!
A terrific book for those who wish to develop the art of scroll writing in a truly authentic historical style. The only thing I could wish for is more colour photos, but you can find those just about anywhere. Consise information on the different fonts used, the similarities and advances as they change through time and use. Two of my scrolls can be seen at http://www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/sca.html.

excellent how-to
This is the text to introduce someone to the art of Calligraphy - if they want to do it, rather than just look at it.

Drogin provides an excellent selection of examples along with a stroke-by-stroke demonstration of every single letter.

The text is interesting and well organized to provide the same student with an appreciation for paleography. An absolute must for anyone engaged in calligraphy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Immanently useful...
As someone who's hobby is re/creating illuminated manuscripts, I found this book to be a great help in getting me past the hurdle of attempting to do gilding on some of my own work. Ms. Whitley's no-nonsense approach, step-by-step instructions, examples and photographs of her gilding her own pieces helped me overcome my nervousness in dealing with gold leaf.

This book is a must for anyone wanting to 'leap the hurdle' and utilize gold leaf in their own manuscript illuminations. This book goes onto my 'working reference' shelf...it's not going to be collecting dust for quite some time.

Antiquarian & modern techniques of manuscript gilding
For centuries artists and illuminators have applied gold to paper in order to decorate and adorn manuscripts. Professional manuscript restorer Kathleen Whitley's The Gilded Page: The History & Technique Of Manuscript Gilding explains in detail both the antiquarian and modern techniques of manuscript gilding including the tools, methods, and materials employed in flat, raised, and patterned gilding used on manuscripts and paintings. Impressively researched and written, we are authoritatively offered the step-by-step techniques of applying and burnishing gold in an immanently sensible and easy-to-understand text that is enhanced with dozens of rare illustrations drawn from The British Library, the British Museum, and other institutions, along with Whitley's own photographs and drawings. The Gilded Page is an enthusiastically recommended addition to any bibliophile reading list and reference collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Painstakingly reproduced from a rare facsimile edition, this volume contains full-page decorations, portraits and illustrations, as well as a representative sampling of the textual leaves with their exquisite calligraphy and ornamentation. The 32 full-color illustrations include the first image of Virgin and Child in a Western manuscript and several early representations of Apocalyptic visionary symbols of the Evangelists.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Worth the money but it could have been so much more
This book of color plates seems amazing, and almost is. However, the quality of the plates falls short of the mark. The colors are dull and faded, and the image resolution far lower than it should be. The Chi Rho page, probably the most beautiful page in the Book of Kells, shows almost none of the amazingly minute detail that it should. Other books--like the Thames & Hudson--show far more detail with more vivid colors than this. On the other hand, this book has larger pages than others, which is nice.

transcends time & religion
32 full color plates from one of the world's greatest books. Although it is Christian art, the Kells reflects centuries of preChristian style & mystery in its bestiary of cats & dragons, its peacock feathers, poses & intertwining lines. There is something in this art that transcends time & religion. The price is a bargain.

Bob Rixon ... Read more

Book Description

Practiced for over 5,000 years, Chinese calligraphy is arguably themost revered art form in the East. The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy is thecomplete, step-by-step beginner's guide to creating the sacred characters ofChinese script-the fragile motifs of fruit and flowers that have deep meaning inEastern philosophy, and the symbols of happiness and fulfillment.In this unique guide, renowned calligraphy artist Qui Lei Lei teaches thephilosophy of this ancient art and demonstrates how to create the most importantsymbols of Chinese folklore-Luck, Love, Happiness, and Long Life. Chinese calligraphy calls for a meditative, relaxing focus on the task ofcreating unique, time-honored characters. As readers gather and arrange theirmaterials-the four treasures-the author demonstrates how to perform the trulyancient ritual of preparing the mind and body for the practice. When readerscreate these unique symbols and signs, they will not only create beauty andrhythm on the page but also see how to connect with the spirituality that liesbeneath much of the practice. Next, easy-to-follow illustrations explain how to reproduce such popular Chineseimagery as the Three Friends of Winter, plum blossoms for peace and love; bambooshoots for longevity, and the fronds of the pine tree for vigor and new life.Finally, readers can explore a series of step-by-step calligraphy projects,including greeting cards, place mats, decorative books, and T-shirts. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Truly a masterpiece for all calligraphy beginners & students
This is the absolutely perfect book for ANY beginner as they take their first steps on the 1000 mile journey of Chinese calligraphy. From beginning to end, the bold, large text, striking colored illustrations, step-by-step definitions, impressive historical references & accuracy make this book a complete calligraphy BIBLE! This book covers EVERY single aspect of calligraphy from its ancient history and style transformations to individual sections on brushes, inkstones, ink, holding brushes, stoke techniques, components of the basic character of Yong and everything else one would need to understand, getting started, practice and perfect this masterful artform. Sections include: Materials, Techniques, Creating Characters, & LOADS OF PROJECTS to keep the novice entertained and motivated to share their new art with others. There is an abundance of information in this book and the format is rich & well-written. The plethora of character examples and practice techniques can quickly provide the much needed confidence and encouragement to not only keep a dedicated student going but getting the sheepish to begin to pick up their first brush.

There is absolutely nothing missing from this oracle and this is an absolutely must buy for all calligraphy followers. The projects in this book cover everything from fans to greeting cards, bamboo placemats & calligraphy on stone. If you want to be delightfully entertained and educated on the ancient art of calligraphy, then pick up this book! Wishing you a blessed journey!

An introduction to the timeless joy of an ancient art form
The Simple Art Of Chinese Calligraphy is a captivating introduction to learning and practicing the 6,000-year-old art of Chinese calligraphy as author Qu Lei Lei draws upon his personal expertise as an artist and calligrapher whose work has been exhibited in a number of galleries and museums in London, Paris, Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo, and Venice, and who has been a guest lecturer in Chinese art and calligraphy at the British Museum, the Victoria& Albert Museum, the Ruskin School of Art, as well as the Christie and Sotheby auction houses. Basic characters for good luck and other worthy concepts, stroke techniques, beautiful paper fans, and much more are discussed and described with easy-to-follow instructions and gorgeous full color photographs. The Simple Art Of Chinese Calligraphy is a superbly presented and truly first-rate introduction to the timeless joy of an ancient art form with an enduring popularity. ... Read more

Book Description

An introduction to one of the most significant art-forms of the Middle Ages. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best in scholorship and illustrations
Alexander and Pacht are simpley the best in Medieval scholorship. This book has been one of my favorites since a class in Manuscriopt Illumination. This book gives the basics with out being to large to digest. It provides fantastic illustrations and bibliography that should send even the most jaded art historian to their knees with gratitude. This book is good for hard core historians, lovers of illuminated pages, medieval history or art buffs and any one in love with line, color and decoration for the sake of decoration. Alexander and Pacht are clear knowledgeable writers who love to point out the details and side stories that make art and history so facinating to comb through. It is a pleasure to just turn the pages and study the art work. This book will give you a new appriciation of the "dark ages" and the legacy of art that was left for us. ... Read more

Book Description

Inspired by a journey through Greece, Marc Chagall, one of the 20th century's most popular painters, created a series of lithographs that brought new life to this ancient Greek love story - the first pastoral romance. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A delightful tale
The story dates from classical Greece. After two thousand years, the story is still fresh and charming - the sign of a true classic. It's about young love, eager and inept, with gods, pirates, and other harmless excitement. The writer included the happy fumblings of physical affection that a modern author would have shied from, sweet and not at all salacious. The story finishes with an improbable and triumphantly happy ending. Good happy fun, and not a lengthy read.

Beyond the story itself, I found this book very informative. The story is supposedly one that Shakespeare read, and it shows. Some of the Bard's endings look a bit recycled once you've read Daphnis and Chloe. I also found that it explained Marc Chagall's cycle of lithographs - the images make more sense, now that I've seen their inspiration. In addition, there's satisfaction in knowing that this story, with such influence on such great minds, and is now a part of my education, too.

All that was extra reward, though. I wanted the book because Chagall's illustration. It's there, in dozens of beautiful color reproductions, including some two-page spreads. Up til now, Marc Chagall has always been in the lower ranks among my favorite artists. After seeing his work in this book, I have a new respect for it. He's still not among my very favorites, but I enjoy the lithos shown here. Even more, I enjoy them as a coherent body visual work and as a narrative.

Best, though, is quality of this book for its price. It's well printed on heavy stock, and the color printing is strong and nuanced. The production values in the color pages and the sheer number of them are quite astonishing for a book that costs so little. I plan to enjoy this book for a long time.

Implausible and ludicrous - just like true love
"Charming" and "Idyllic" are two words you'll meet often when reading reviews of this ancient tale. And certainly it is both those things. It is the best known and best loved of the "Erotici Graeci", or Greek love stories, that date from the early centuries of the Common Era. It is characteristic of the genre, featuring as it does pirates, supernatural events and some highly implausible plot elements.

The Penguin Classics edition has an excellent translation, introduction and notes by Paul Turner.

The story includes the curious conceit, common in folk tales, that an infant of aristocratic parentage, raised by peasants, will grow up exhibiting all the innate qualities of nobility, like cuckoo chicks raised in another bird's nest. Nature is all; nurture is nothing. This idea can be found in literature until at least late in the nineteenth century. To (most) modern readers it seems ludicrous. In comparison, the belief in Pan and the Muses appears quite reasonable.

Historians and archeologists can tell us much about ancient civilizations, except for the most interesting thing of all; what were these people really like? Novels, drama and poetry give us glimpses into their very hearts and minds. We learn about their relationships between each other and between themselves and their gods. Sometimes we wonder at how alien and strange they appear; at others we are struck at how much like us - like people always, everywhere - they are. Some things never change. Among them are the pains and joys of young love. For as long as there are young lovers, there will be "Daphnis and Chloe".

Sheer, unadulterated bliss.
Man...Daphnis and Chloe. Surely, this is one of the Best Things Ever. An utterly gorgeous evocation of innocent, sweetly naive pastoral life. I honestly can't think of a single work of literature I've enjoyed more. It's short, but richly deserving of multiple readings. If you're not capable of enjoying it, I don't want to know you. It is truly Great, capital 'G'. However, in the interest of objectivity, I should note that there is one thing about it that somewhat irks me: in the end, the title characters are revealed to by of noble birth. That's not a spoiler; you know it right from the get-go. So, while it was inevitable, it just didn't quite work for me. I would have liked to see them go on in idyllic splendour (note the British spelling) forever.

That, however, is a minor quibble. You must read this. It could even save your life: let's say you've read it, and then, sometime later, for whatever reason, you decide to commit suicide. You'd be very likely to think, at some point, 'hey, wait a minute--I can't die now; I need to reread Daphnis and Chloe!' So then you'd turn the engine off, and after you finished your rereading, you'd realize, 'hey--life is GOOD! What was I thinking?' And you'd be right. Something like this couldn't exist if the world wasn't in some sense fundamentally good.

The Ancient Pastoral Romance
Longus's ancient novel, "Daphnis and Chloe" tells the absolutely charming story of a boy (Daphnis) and a girl (Chloe), left to die by exposure in the Greek countryside. Miraculously, the deities are watching out for them--a goat is selected to nurse Daphnis, and a sheep to nurse Chloe--until a goatherd, Lamo, and a shepherd, Dryas, respectively discover the two children. They are raised in the town of Mytilene, a humble agricultural community, where they tend their adopted fathers's herds of goats and sheep.

Here, the mischievous god of love, Eros, sets them aflame with love for each other. Both Daphnis and Chloe are extremely innocent in their affections throughout the novel, experimenting with their feelings and exposing the amusing limits of their little knowledge. Various incidents involving pirates, kidnapping, inter-city war between Mytilene and Methymna, and the suit of Chloe by a host of lusty young men all provide interesting diversions from the main love story. With a very casual cultural attitude towards homoerotic love, we also see the impertinent male slave, Gnatho, make advances toward the clueless Daphnis. Daphnis's run-in with Lycaenium, a married woman of Mytilene, is also an episode of note in the complex sexual landscape of Longus's novel.

Another intriguing factor in Longus's novel is the relationship between humanity and nature. The figure of the goat is omnipresent throughout the novel. Standing apart from our own cultural/religious associations with the goat, in "Daphnis and Chloe," the goat is all at once associated with maternity, reverence, respect, and honesty. In the novel, we see humanity in general in harmony with the natural world all around: plant, beast, and natural divinities.

Into this seemingly innocent landscape, Longus introduces the problematics of class and wealth. The love story between Daphnis and Chloe is further stalled while these issues play themselves out. Society's intrusion into the pastoral story seems to indicate the fantastic nature of the idyll itself. "Daphnis and Chloe" is a brilliant and beautiful ancient tale, and well worth the short time it takes to read.

Chagall is a Genius
This book masterfully combines a beautiful love story with amazing lithographs by Chagall. Chagall brings spring to the canvas with his omnipitant use of color and his composition remnisant of ambrosia and nectar. Emphisizing the Greece of Aphrodite, the sensuality of the mortal body, and simplicity of true love, Chagall combines vibrant colors, simple figures, and a flowing narrative to achieve perfection. To put it bluntly, the book should be bought if only for the lithograph reproductions, which turn out quite well. The quality is well worth the extraordinary good price, having seen the originals on display in galleries for upwards of $19,000. ... Read more

Book Description

"Historical Scripts," second revised edition, is an excellent survey of bookhands with its full-page, enlarged illustrations and solidly researched sources.It is a useful text for studying the history of manuscripts as well as the details of letter construction.

This work also helps one make judgments about the technical condition of letter writing and its qualities of rhythm and movement, possible only when consulting an original manuscript.The author has obtained photographs that reveal the tactile qualities of surfaces, ink tone, and flow.The author has chosen examples of formal writing that show a coherent and reasonably consistent relationship between methods of tool use and letter formation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I never knew Chinese calligraphy could be so fascinating.
This is a fabulous book that makes a difficult and exotic subject perfectly understandable. Mi Fu is one of the greatest artists in the world, but who in the West knows about an 11th century Chinese calligrapher? Sturman's sensitive and learned discussion brings it all alive. I loved this book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

Calligraphy and lettering go from art to magic inHandlettering Made Easy, the first book that shows how to use widely available markers for calligraphy! Crafters and scrapbookers will quickly become experts with Beagle's clear, hands-on explanations of the technique and its application to journaling, computer lettering, and lettering on special surfaces like ceramics, terra cotta, glass and fabric.

The book includes 150 illustrations and loads of different calligraphy and lettering alphabets, plus numerous scrapbook layouts to spark readers' creativity. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The most important legacy of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf IIis the Mira calligraphiae monumenta, a manuscript comprised ofilluminated pages of calligraphy. Around 1561 a master calligrapherwrote the text as proof of his preeminence among scribes. After hisdeath, a master illustrator was employed to illuminate his writing, andthe outcome is a rare combination of words and images in small-scaledrawings--considered one of the wonders of Renaissance Europe. Thisbook culls different plates from the collection that are each unique,consisting of lavishly executed text in Roman and Hebrew lettersaccompanied by realistic and detailed drawings of plants, animals, andinsects. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Medieval Butterflies, Sea Shells, Plants = #41 Manuscripts
If you want to see colorful manuscipts that show a varity of medieval insects, plants, flowers, fruit, sea shells, initials, designs, and even a few animals, then this is the book for you. There are 41 full color manuscripts to choose from. At the end of the book, are discriptions of each manuscript, listing the medieval name for each. Example: The identifications of specimens proceed from top to bottom and from left to right. Common names have been provided whenever possible. In the case of the insect identifications, British English common names have been used, since most of the specimens represented do not exist in the United States. Where a different American common name is known, it has been included following the British Name, seperated by a slash. The names of higher taxonomic groups (families and orders) have been printed in roman type, while genus and spicies names appear in italics.Folio 1 Rotunda script in "trace letters"Vinca minor L,: Common periwinkleMalus domestica Borkh,:Common appleLacerta(?):LizardFolio 5 Antiqua scriptMatthiola incana (L.) R. Br.: GillyflowerEphemeroptera: MayflyDiptera Cyclorrhapha Heleomyzidae (?):FlyPulmonata Helicidae Cepaea sp.: Garde SnailEnd Example.A great sorce of Medieval Nature.

A beautiful little book
"Nature Illuminated" is wonderful collection of illuminated manuscripts from the Getty's extensive holdings. Perusing these pages shows that the chasm between (representative) art and science is really not so great.

Good things come in small packages
For such a small book, this is crammed with new ideas for both calligraphy and drawing from Nature. You have to look close, and have an idea of how techniques can be applied, but this book will serve as an inspiration for my work for years to come! ... Read more

Book Description

In Japanese calligraphy, each stroke is rich with meaning, each character speaks volumes. Traces of the Brush provides the first illustrated history of this unique art. The authors explore its many styles and genres and investigate the calligrapher's tools - paper, ink, and brush. Interwoven with excerpts of literature and poetry, the text immerses the Western reader in the spirit of Japanese calligraphy. Abundant full-color illustrations make this book a feast for the eyes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Appreciative review on shodou history
The authors' sincere appreciation of the art of shodou is convincingly mediated to the reader. Especially the colorful and illustrative praising of kana calligraphy impressed me.
The high-quality images of the ancient masterpieces play an important role occupying a plenty of page space.
Just remember that this is a book on history, attitudes and ways of looking at the japanese calligraphy. This in not a text on calligraphy techniques. Comprehensive instructions on shodou are excluded from this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nice reproductions, ASTONISHING art!
I too am biased (I'm a historian of Italian Renaissance art), and while the as yet unknown master who illustrated the Rohan Hours meets none of the usual criteria for "beauty" in 15th-century painting (say, the style of Fra Angelico's angels or Botticelli's maidens--both of these painters produced fine book illustrations), there is no question that he was a brilliantly inventive, keenly expressive artist. His illustrations for the standard repertoire of Christian Bible stories totally push the envelope of what was usual within a book's pages. He combined achingly precise realistic description with a total freedom in the scaling and placement of figures, and a luxuriant decorative sense, creating powerful images that virtually burst from the page. Gestures, facial expressions, accessories from hair to drapery, seem driven by powerful currents generated from the prayers to which they give shape. A Renaissance original, with a refined, if bold, technique.

Nice Facsimile, medium manuscript
This is one of many fine reproductions produced by the Geo. Braziller company. This particular manuscript is a 15th c. book of hours generally considered to be a masterpiece in the book-art community. It's a very nice reproduction.

My personal opinion, of course, colors my perception of the quality of the art of the Rohan hours. Frankly, I think the art in the Rohan Hours is of medium quality; its miniatures are cetainly emotional, but the technique is rougher than most of the books of this era that are considered to be "masterpieces."

Individuals who find the art charming, of course, would give this book a higher star rating, because it has all the usual nice qualities of a Braziller publication. There is an essay detailing the history and discussing some of the manufacture information , followed by lots and lots of pictures of manuscript pages accompanied by a short paragraph detailing the actions of the people in the pictures. The clor reproduction is nice.

I own it; it's a pleasant enough book. I don't mean to discourage a lover of the illuminated manuscript from buying this book. However, you should also be aware that the art of the Rohan Hours isn't quite as finely done as you might expect. ... Read more

Book Description

Sumi-E, or Chinese brush painting, is admired and emulated by artists the world over. This beautiful and inspiring book shows painters of all interests and skill levels how to achieve the fluid, spontaneous style of this unique art form.

Through 12 step-by-step projects, readers will learn how to paint a range of popular subjects using traditional Chinese inks, brushes and papers. Projects gradually increase in difficulty, and feature such subjects as swallows, bamboo, wild orchids, plum blossoms, pandas, horses, peonies and more.

An introductory chapter explains the traditional materials used with this style of painting, its subjects and its composition. There is also an in-depth section on technique that covers everything from holding brushes to mastering brush strokes. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

French edition
This book has been translated into FRENCH and is selling now. It is about painting, about art. The French Title is " La Peinture Chinoise, pas a' pas".ISBN: 2-215-07592-9 It is good enough for France to have a translaed copy is good enough to be rated 5 stars.

chinese brush painting step by step
I am drawn to Chinese brush painting by its emphasis on form, simplicity and elegance. I also love the use of pen and ink and watercolor. This book is a beautiful introduction and has made me want to read more as I begin to paint in this centuries-old tradition. In my search for serenity and beauty in Nature, Chinese brush painting has calmed my restless soul. Truly a wonderful book!

Tony Cerreto ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Exquisite images from a civilization ignored by the West
Mention the words "Safavi" or "Safavid" to people in the West and you will most likely get a blank stare in return, but this Iranian dynasty presided over a great cultural flowering in literature and architecture as well as in art. Stuart Cary Welch produced a beautiful introductory guide to some of the beauties of that era, taking illustrations from several famous books and collections of the 16th century height of Safavid glory. While the political history of the time in Iran, Central Asia and Afghanistan (all parts of the Persian world in a cultural sense) was full of battles, massacres, sieges and sudden changes of rule-very much like Europe at the same time-the delicacy of Persian art knew no bounds. Brilliant, jewel-like colors, striking designs, and bold displays of mythical heroes touched in gold and surrounded with the miniature figures of the Persian court world appear on the pages of this book that is guaranteed to satisfy. Chinese-style rocks and trees mingle with Islamic calligraphy and Persian legends. While this book reproduces the illustrations both in full and in detail, the text is only the slightest of introductions to what can be a consuming study for any lover of art at its greatest. Buyers of this book will want to look further. May I suggest Anthony Welch's two books "Artists for the Shah" and "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan", "Persian Drawings" by B. W. Robinson, and "Persian Painting" by Basil Gray. Another related volume, a treat for anyone interested in Persian art, would be "Isfahan: Pearl of Persia" by Wilfred Blunt and W. Swan.

Beautiful, accessible introduction to an exquisite artform
Stuart Cary Welch is an art historian (I think he taught at Harvard, but I'm not sure) who loves his work, and it clearly shows in this volume. The pictures are exquisite, the reproductions are beautiful, but the best part is the commentary: his only goal is to make the work -- and the stories the pictures tell, for they are all essentially book illustrations -- as much a pleasure to the audience as it was to him. He could not wear his learning more lightly nor with more enthusism, and yet it is clear he must know everything there is to know about this culture. Right after you get this, you'll immediately go right back to Amazon to get a copy of the Shah-Nama, the marvelous epic Iranian poem that so many of the splendid miniatures in this volume illustrate. ... Read more